Celebrate Earth Day By Stenciling Storm Drains

Earth Day turns 40 this year. This Saturday, April 17, in honor of Earth Day, the Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project, plans to stencil every storm drain that leads to Piper’s Creek and they’re looking for your help to do it.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that Piper’s Creek, which drains into Puget Sound, is the center piece of Carkeek Park.

Historically, Piper’s Creek and its tributaries supported runs of steelhead, sea-run cutthroat, and coho and chum salmon. But …over-fishing, urbanization, and the use of the creek as an extension of the storm-water drainage ditches by the city were the significant events which led to the demise of the historical salmon runs.

Fact: There are over 100 storm drains on the streets of Greenwood, Broadview, Blue Ridge and Crown Hill.

Fact: Each of these storm drains leads to Piper’s Creek and Piper’s Creek drains to Puget Sound.

Fact: Runoff from roads contributes millions of gallons of oil to Puget Sound every year.

Fact: Studies show that marking storm drains with the message “Dump No Waste, Drains to Stream” doubles community awareness.

The Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project has been working to restore the creek since 1979. You can join the effort this Saturday; meet at Carkeek Park at 8:30 am or at Sandel Park at 9 am.

Information about the the storm drain stenciling project and CWCAP is also available at the Carkeek Environmental Learning Center (located at the entrance of the park), open Monday through Friday from 10 am-4 pm. Staff is on duty to assist you and answer questions, plus some interesting displays are on view.